As Spotify Wrapped results flood social media, with fans sharing their most-played tracks and unexpected artist rankings, Chappell Roan has happily embraced the annual ritual with a delightful surprise: her top song of 2024 isn’t a recent hit, but a classic ‘70s rock anthem. The breakout star revealed that her number one track was none other than Heart’s legendary “Barracuda,” a thrilling throwback to 1977.
Roan, 26, made the announcement via Instagram on Wednesday, December 4, delighting her fans with a candid post. “Top song was ‘Barracuda, of course,’” she wrote, referencing the iconic song by Ann and Nancy Wilson, which she’s performed live in the past. To match the vintage vibe, Roan included a playful throwback photo of herself standing next to a camouflaged car adorned with bull horns—a look straight out of the ’70s rock scene, perfectly matching the spirit of the song. Fans couldn’t help but love the quirky, fun aesthetic, which seemed to nod to the fierce energy of “Barracuda.”
The Kansas native, known for her hauntingly powerful vocals and unique pop-country blend, further shared that Ariana Grande was her top artist of 2024, followed by a diverse mix of influences: Charli XCX, Heart (naturally), Justice, and Kacey Musgraves. It’s clear Roan’s musical tastes run the gamut, blending classic rock, pop, and alternative sounds with ease.
But Roan wasn’t the only artist who revealed a few surprises in their Spotify Wrapped results. Lil Nas X shared that his most-streamed artist of the year was none other than Camila Cabello, with whom he collaborated on the track “He Knows.” Meanwhile, Tove Lo made waves by revealing that a remix of Kylie Minogue’s 2003 hit “Slow” was her top-played song of the year—another unexpected throwback in the mix.
For Roan, 2024 was a standout year in terms of streaming success. In addition to her love for Barracuda, her hit single “Good Luck, Babe!” landed as the sixth most-streamed song in the U.S. and the fifth most-viral song globally. It’s no wonder fans were eager to tune in, especially considering that Roan’s album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess was one of the top five most-streamed albums in the country, alongside releases from Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter.
Spotify celebrated Roan’s success with a pop-up billboard in Los Angeles, marking the impressive milestone that over 300,000 people had streamed her music in the area after midnight—a clever nod to her song “After Midnight,” which undoubtedly helped fuel the numbers. The billboard wasn’t just a celebration of numbers, but also a testament to Roan’s growing influence as an artist, with her unique blend of indie-pop and storytelling making her one of the most exciting names in the music industry right now.
Roan’s Spotify Wrapped results are a reflection of her multifaceted artistry, as she continues to draw inspiration from a wide range of genres and sounds. From her powerful, emotional ballads to the anthemic, rocking energy of Barracuda, it’s clear that Chappell Roan is carving out a musical identity that’s as diverse as it is captivating. Her dedication to her craft, combined with her willingness to explore unexpected influences, is what makes her one of the most exciting artists of the year.
As 2024 comes to a close, Roan has proven that she’s not just a rising star in the pop world, but a true artist with a deep and diverse love for music from all eras. With fans and fellow artists alike taking note, it’s clear that Chappell Roan’s music is here to stay.
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